Quantitative characterization of surface layers on corroded medieval window glass with SIMS

Abstract

Dark green coloured panes, consisting of lead oxide, potash, lime, magnesia, silica and phosphorus oxide show minor corrosion phenomena compared with other stained glasses used in medieval painted windows. Surface layers and leaching zones on such naturally weathered glass samples can be succesfully characterized by SIMS. This analytical technique enables quantitative depth profiling of the main and trace components of the glass as well as the depth distribution of hydrogen. With the use of relative sensitivity factors of the elements and the different sputtering coefficients of the various layers, a quantification of the depth profiles is possible. According to the results, an ion exchange process leads to incorporation of water and depletion of the glass components potassium, calcium, sodium and lead at the glass surface. The leached elements form precipitations with components of the ambient atmosphere (CO2, SO2 etc.). A layer containing compounds of low solubility is built up, which protects the glass surface from further attack by water and moisture.